Contents

History

Prior to the 2014 BlackWidow editions, Razer used Cherry MX switches. According to some Razer representatives, the main motivation behind developing a new switch was that they expected that Cherry would have problems meeting future demand for Cherry MX switches.[Citation needed]

Variants

Both monochrome LED and RGB LED versions exist. The "Chroma" RGB versions support full-colour backlighting through the use of special RGB LEDs with all four legs inline across the switch, and a wide slit in the switch in place of the regular circular LED recess.

Manufacturers

Razer was unwilling to divulge who their manufacturing partners were, but Kaihua (Kailh) and Greetech have been confirmed.

Kaihua

The first generation, seen in 2014 was derived from the Kaihua PG1511 series, and bears the word "Razer" and the Kailh emblem on top. The switch has Kaihua's characteristic top housing.
The switch is reported to have a larger area of gold on the contacts than Cherry switches, to extend the lifetime from 50 to 60 million keystrokes.
Razer are reported to have their own QA staff on the factory floor, to keep the switch variance low.[2]

The switches have very slightly less actuation distance than Cherry MX. The clicky variant also has slightly less hysteresis but at the expense of a slightly sharper bump at the rebound before topping up.[2] The keys rattle less than Cherry MX, but are not noticeably less wobbly when pressed.

Switches have been reported to develop a creaky sound after a period of use, probably caused by the coiled spring.[3]

Greetech

In 2015, it was reported that Kaihua was not the sole supplier of Razer switches.[4].

In 2016, Razer opted to use Razer Chroma switches in keyboards with RGB backlighting and switch back to using Cherry MX in those with monochrome backlighting or none.
Razer claims that the Razer switches have been improved, are in essence manufactured in-house and that Razer practically owns the production line.[5]

Razer-branded switches in 2015-edition keyboards have been found with a more Cherry MX-like top housing and the Greetech brand on the bottom. [6]